I woke up on the side of the road in the arms of my friend saying “It’s okay, Jeremy. Help is on the way.” Dazed and disoriented, the only thing I was conscious of was how cold my right hand felt; like it was in an ice bath. I vaguely remember seeing the red & blue lights of the emergency vehicles before I began slipping in and out of consciousness. 

That was November 1st 1997 in the early morning hours. Seven days before my 22nd birthday, and the day that changed my life forever. 

When I awoke in the hospital, my head was wrapped up and as for my right hand, well, the doctor described what happened as a “degloving” injury. Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. The injury was going to require extensive reconstructive and plastic surgeries. 

Learning how to do anything with only one hand is a challenge. learning how to do them with your non-dominant hand can seem next to impossible. Quick experiment, go through the process of tying your shoe in your mind. What’s the first step? Take the laces in your hands… stop. You only have one hand.

I still have to be careful when holding anything in my right hand, especially drinks, as my wrist has a tendency to give out. My pointer finger is forever “stuck” at the first and second knuckles making it impossible for me to make a fist or have a solid grip.

I share these stories because it was during this time that my no-nonsense, keep moving forward attitude was cemented into my psyche. This experience defined for me what moving forward looks like. It’s a continual persistence, grit, combined with a growth mindset. 

My lesson: Life’s not fair. Life is about working hard and making the most of any situation. It’s on me to experience moving forward in my life, just like it is on you to experience moving forward in yours.